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Did you know that what we call saber-toothed tigers were probably closer in relation to lions than tigers?

More formally known as the Smilodon, remnants of these feline creatures have been found by the hundreds in the La Brea tar pits of California. Paleontologists have been able to reconstruct these creatures and consequently have discovered some clues to their habits and physical appearance.

Apparently, the Smilodon was about a foot shorter than the lion that we are familiar with today. Although they were twice as heavy as lions, they had bobtails instead of the longer tails that help provide balance for animals when they run. The shorter tail implies that unlike other big cats, the Smilodon did not chase their prey over long distances. More likely, they waited in the bushes until their prey approached, and then ambushed them at a closer distance.

But what about those teeth? We can safely assume that the saber teeth were used for hunting prey. However, broken saber teeth have rarely been found among fossil remains. This suggests that the saber-tooth cat would use its fangs to deliver a stab wound, rather than clamping on to the prey and holding onto them until they perished.

The Smilodon was a more recent saber-tooth, having died out around 10,000 years ago. Scientists have discovered their fossils all over Europe and North America. Many of the bones found at the La Brea site illustrate that some of the creatures suffered bone fractures that would have meant the death of animals that hunted by themselves. These fossils, however, show that the animal was allowed time to heal and rehabilitate, suggesting that the animal was cared for by its clan. This type of social structure is typical of lions but is unlike tigers and all other living felines.

Saber-tooth sized holes have also been discovered in Smilodon fossils. This suggests that the felines were not always happy with each other, and would take an occasional chomp out of their friends when they were quarrelling. Modern day lions also exhibit the tendency to fight among their pack over mates or food. And from the looks of the structure of the bones in the Smilodon’s throat, it seems likely that they could let loose a mighty roar.

Felines were not the only saber-toothed species that existed in the past. Fossil remains tell us that saber-toothed dogs, bears, and weasels were also common. Can you imagine if our domestic friends still maintained their saber-toothed appearance? We would probably take kitty’s mealtime a little more seriously, don’t you think? ME-OW!